Shannon Izquierdo is the new LES and TLC Elementary Principal

On July 1, Shannon Izquierdo started her new role as Principal at Lomira Elementary School and the Theresa Learning Center. Over the past 15 years, Izquierdo has had the privilege of serving students in nearly every capacity, as a classroom teacher, an associate principal and most recently as a building principal. Before moving into school leadership, she taught 5th grade for six years, served as an Associate Principal at a middle school with 700+ students and spent time early in her career with the Peace Corps in Moldova and national nonprofits focused on community health and education. “Every step of that path has shaped the same core belief I bring to Lomira: that strong systems and strong relationships go hand in hand in creating schools where every student can succeed,” said Shannon Izquierdo. The job that appealed to Izquierdo was Lomira itself, the small-town warmth and the strong sense of community. “That came through clearly during the interview process. It was obvious from the questions I was asked and the conversations I had that this is a place that values strong relationships and is deeply committed to serving all students well,” said Izquierdo. “I could tell that people here genuinely show up for one another, and that’s exactly the kind of environment I wanted to be part of.” “From day one, the welcome I’ve received from both the community and staff has been incredible, so supportive and genuinely warm,” said Izquierdo.
Izquierdo’s initial goal is to listen and learn: spending time in classrooms, getting to know her staff, students and families and understanding what’s already working well. “What I do know, and what will guide me from day one, is that supporting our staff in a way that allows them to do their best work with students is my top priority,” said Izquierdo. When teachers and staff feel supported, that support extends directly to kids.” Her long-term goals, Izquierdo wants to build on that foundation to strengthen relationships across our school community while ensuring every classroom offers the kind of rigorous, high-quality instruction that pushes students to grow, so that every student feels known, valued and academically challenged to reach their full potential. “Two things that really drive how I lead are a natural pull toward looking ahead and a strong drive to get things done,” said Izquierdo. “When I think about our students, I’m constantly envisioning what’s possible for them, not just where they are today, but who they can become and what doors we can open for them together.” “After the vision is set, I bring the follow-through to make it real for kids in their everyday classroom experience,” said Izquierdo. “I think that combination, dreaming big for our kids while doing the daily work to build the path that gets them there, is exactly what I hope to bring to this community.” Izquierdo believes the most important role of a principal is to provide clarity, consistency and staff support, so that they, in turn, can serve students well. “When staff know what’s expected of them, can count on that consistency day to day and feel genuinely supported, they’re able to focus their energy where it matters most: their students,” said Izquierdo. “Just as important is being a true partner with families, working alongside them to support every student’s growth and success.” Izquierdo will have an open door and a genuine focus on making sure every student feels like they belong by building strong, trusting relationships with students, families and staff, which is at the heart of how she leads. “I want kids to know they’re seen and supported, because that’s when real learning happens,” said Izquierdo. “My door is always open, and I want our families to feel like true partners in their child’s success. I’m here to listen, to show up, and to help create a school community where everyone can thrive.” She grew up in Montague, Michigan, a small lakeside town of about 2,500 people on Lake Michigan. Montague is known as home to the world’s largest weathervane, a 48-foot giant that’s been a local point of pride since 1984. “I’ve always had a soft spot for small towns with big hearts and even bigger community pride,” said Izquierdo.”Coming from a tight-knit small town myself, stepping into a community like Lomira feels less like starting something new and more like coming home.” “My family moved from Michigan when I had my first child, and they now live in Fond du Lac, so this new role means I’ll be closer to them, have more family dinners and more time together,” said Izquierdo. Izquierdo believes students thrive when they get to explore every side of who they are, in the classroom, on the stage and on the field. Academics build the foundation, but the arts, athletics and extracurriculars are often where kids find their confidence and establish important relationships. “As a parent watching my own kids juggle baseball, soccer, swimming and music, I see how much these experiences build character, instill hard work and resilience,” said Izquierdo. “I’m so excited to be here and to work in partnership with everyone as we continue moving the work forward, together,” said Izquierdo.